Denargo Market’s rhino statue spotted in Denver, launches contest to name it

A massive rhinoceros sculpture has been discovered at the intersection of 29th Street and Arkins Court, announcing exciting developments at Denargo Market, a 17-acre mixed-use project in Denver’s vibrant RiNo Art District.

Standing at an impressive 30 feet tall and weighing a staggering 22,000 pounds, the Denargo Rhino represents the first piece of public art to grace the site.

“Prior to the complete buildout of the expansive 17-acre area, we want to establish Denargo Market as a must-visit destination,” explained Sean Campbell, CEO of FORMATIV.

“The rhino marks our initial significant stride in emphasizing public elements for the people of Denver to engage with. Whether you’re scaling its sides, capturing a picture, or exploring the new parks and river features, the rhino will serve as a welcoming emblem for Denargo Market, destined to be cherished for generations to come.”

Constructed from durable weatherized steel, the rhino showcases weather-resistant climbable panels, custom paint, lighting, and additional elements like birdhouses.

The climbable statue, although currently non-climbable until later this summer, was envisioned by Denargo’s landscape architect Sasaki, in collaboration with developers Golub & Co. and FORMATIV.

It was brought to fruition by local fabricators JunoWorks and Eldorado Climbing Walls, with engineering expertise provided by Craft Engineering Studio.

Despite its impressive size, the Denargo Rhino is considered a mere infant in comparison to other iconic sculptures in Denver, such as the 32-foot-tall blue mustang with glowing red eyes near Denver International Airport, and the 40-foot blue bear sculpture overlooking the convention center.

Members of the online Reddit community have already embraced the Rhino as one of the local apex predators, although some have questioned why it isn’t entirely painted blue to match its towering counterparts. Golub & Co. and FORMATIV have initiated a public naming campaign for the monumental rhino sculpture.

As part of the “Name the Rhino” initiative, the public is encouraged to submit name suggestions until Thursday, June 5.

Finalists will be chosen shortly thereafter, allowing the public to vote for their preferred name, with the winning choice revealed during an unveiling event featuring Denver City Councilman Darrell Watson on June 12.

“We are thrilled to involve the community in this endeavor and invite them to help us christen this iconic rhino with a name that mirrors the essence and imagination of Denver,” stated Laura Newman, vice president of investment & development at Golub & Co.

“Our objective with both the rhino and the public space was to establish a genuine sense of belonging at Denargo Market, aspiring for this to become a cherished landmark for residents, families, and tourists alike.”

Spanning the South Platte riverfront just north of Downtown Denver, Denargo Market is designated to accommodate 3 million square feet of development, incorporating residential, retail, office, and hospitality venues, alongside public art installations and more.

The location will also incorporate over 1,000 for-rent residential units and 4 acres of public open areas, featuring sports courts, nature-inspired play areas, community gardens, and an enhanced dog park.

Infrastructure construction and public park development commenced in September 2023. Since then, the project has completed a 56-unit affordable housing complex, the sports courts, and the dog park, as outlined in a project brochure.